Standard Disclaimer
If you read one fic you've read them all.and if this is your first fic.you've read it during the previous chapters so.why do I keep saying it?
Anyway. This is a special chapter for me. It breaks my 8-chapter barrier! My first fic to break 8 chapters! YATTA!!
Well enough tooting my own horn, if it's not good, what good is it to break the barrier? Hope you like it.
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Out of Disaster Chapter 9 - Preparations
Gendo was growing impatient. He had summoned Ritsuko after witnessing Rei's embracing Shinji the previous night and she had yet to show. To make matters worse had had just returned from a council session.
"Those old fools. They have no clue as to our intent," he said to his trusted agent.
Fuyutsuki leaned closer to him, "Are we so sure of that?"
Resting his elbows on his desk, "They'd have killed us all by now if they knew are true intent," his voice raising, "where is that damned Akagi!"
Walking into his office, "Sorry I'm late, but I do have other matters to attend to. You of all men should know that."
Straightening his form, Kozo addressed the late doctor, "We know of your other instructions, but you also know that we don't call you for idle causes."
'Perfect, he was in counsel just like I had hoped,' Ritsuko thought before speaking, "I'm sorry, but as per orders I had Rei do a full memory dump into the dummy plug."
Erupting in anger, Gendo bellowed, "You what!?"
She had expected a reaction, but not this extreme. Ritsuko shrinking backwards meekly spoke, "Didn't you order her to do that after every angel?"
Regaining his composure, "Yes. Yes I did. But you see we now have a problem. Watch the monitor." Turning to the screen on his desk, Kozo called up the video feed from the previous encounter. Ritsuko did a masterful job of masking her true self with astonishment.
Still using her mask of shock, "How can that happened, I raised her to be fully under our control?"
"We were hoping you could tell us that yourself doctor," Gendo said as he repositioned his glasses, "It was your responsibility."
"I have no idea."
Trying to think of a way past this current road block, "Doctor, is it possible to replace this Rei and remove her attachment to the third?"
"Sorry commander," Ritsuko said taking her eyes off the monitor, "All supplicant clones will have memories of these event and her emotions. She'd probably be more attached to him if we replaced her."
Watching the two talk, Kozo felt an odd inclination, 'She seems to almost be happy about this. We'll need to watch her.'
Remaining silent for a few minutes. Gendo contemplated their alternatives. One risk losing more control of Rei by replacing her, two order her away from Shinji and risk rebellion, or three remove Shinji from the picture by either the outside party or replacement.
"Doctor, you are to try to find a way to erase these emotions from the first. Kozo, you are to have are spy network look into the outside party involved with the third," Gendo paused to insure they understood. " We will either remove the notion from her mind forcible, or remove the object of her affection."
Ritsuko nodded, this was all in plan, "I'll have Rei in for tests today."
With their orders received, Fuyutsuki and Ritsuko left the office. Ritsuko was already making her excuse for the inability to wipe Rei's mind of the incident. She had planned for all these situations, save one, and that was what Kozo was to seek out.
With little resources left, Kozo had only Kaji to turn to. Calling the would be spy, Kaji was sent out to find as much info on this 'Hinata' as possible.
---------------
When Shinobu heard that there was an angel attack, to say she was shocked would be an understatement. She heard the news over the train radio when she first stepped onto the train. She didn't fully recover from her shock until she arrived in Tokyo-3.
As she sat in her chair, bandana and note in bag, she prayed that Shinji was all right. 'Makes sense now, how could the phones be down all day,' she thought to herself.
The minutes passed by and students began filtering into the room, but still no Shinji or Asuka. Taking out the items for Shinji, Shinobu thought about what they meant. Shinji would be training under Motoko, if allowed.
'I wonder, would it be at Hinata?' her thought causing a small fantasy to enter her mind. "I wish Shinji were here," her voice semi-wispy.
Breaking the girl from her dream, "He is here, just walked in. You ok?"
"KENSUKE-SAN!" Shinobu shrieked, more at being caught daydreaming than from being startled.
Watching the girl go into a bout of hysterics, Kensuke decided it best to just leave her alone and join Shinji. Meeting his two friends, the idiot trio took they usual place. Shinji noted Shinobu, but was too afraid to talk to her. 'What will I tell her about Rei and I?'
Touji questioned him about his well being, and Kensuke questioned, and questioned, and questioned him about the battle.
On the other side of the room Hikari arrived to find Shinobu hyperventilating. Walking over to her shy friend, Hikari helped her calm down.
"Something the matter Shinobu?"
Shaking her head, "No, I'm fine. I was just worried about Shinji."
"Ah, the battle, yeah I was worried too," Hikari, admitted, "I tried calling Asuka but she didn't answer."
Taking a quick scan of the room, Shinobu asked, "Where is Asuka-san, doesn't she usually come with Shinji?"
It was now Hikari's turn to be confused, "She does, I wonder if something."
Asuka's arrival cut Hikari's statement short, "Talk about good timing, hi Asuka."
Lacking her usual passion, "Hi guys. Glad to see your both ok."
Beating out Hikari, Shinobu was the first to ask, "Asuka-san, is something wrong? You don't seem like yourself?"
In her mind, 'Oh sure I'm fine, I didn't get shot by a person claiming to be my friend,' aloud however, "I'm fine, just a bit tired."
They nodded, as neither knew how tiring piloting could be they accepted her response. The rest of the pre-school activity revolved around minor talks, between both groups. Asuka asked if anything happened to Hinata. Both Asuka and Hikari got a smile out of Shinobu's meek questions about Shinji's well being.
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The actual class time was anything but productive. The majority of the class was missing due to post battle fear. Not wanting to leave the other students behind, the teacher informed those present that they day would be spent as a study session.
To those students that either disliked school or needed to catch up it was a Godsend, to the others however it was pure boredom. So when they were released for lunch, the students fled the room in haste.
Shinji approached Shinobu with an air of uncertainty. He noted as he approached that as soon as Asuka saw him, she fled the room. 'She must still be upset about the accident. I told her I'm not upset.'
Shinobu, for her part, was relatively calm. She was a bit nervous to talk to him, their last meeting playing in her head where she almost confessed her feelings.
As Shinji got closer, she prompted, "Would you.like to join me for lunch?"
Smiling at her, "I'd love to," looking back to where Rei usually sat, Shinji remembered, 'Rei's not here today, I guess we'll eat alone.'
The missing presence of Miss Ayanami wasn't lost on Shinobu, who was more than a little pleased with the turn of events. With bento in tow, the pair headed towards their favorite eating location.
They ate a lunch prepared by Shinobu in the comfortable shade their tree provided, and talked. Shinobu learned of the battle with the angel. However, Shinji left out Rei entirely. He knew it would ruin the mood and he selfishly didn't wish that to occur.
While packing the remaining food away, Shinobu remembered her other package. "Um, Shinji-san I have something for you."
'A gift from her?' Blushing softly, "What is it?"
"Its from Motoko-sempai," she stated, not noticing the fallen look that Shinji now had, "she insisted I give this to you."
Taking the bandana first, Shinji wondered at the meaning behind such a gift, "The crest is beautiful."
"Read the letter too, that's the important part."
As told Shinji undid the bindings of the letter and read it before speaking, "She wants to teach me in her families sword style?"
"It's a great honor to be trained in her school. Do you think you want to?"
Not really the fighting type, Shinji was hesitant to reply. 'If it's such a great honor, why select me? I'm no fighter.' But his feeling of obligation started to invade his thinking. If he could become a better fighter, that could mean the difference between life and death for not only himself but for all humanity.
Folding the letter back into its original shape, "I'll ask Misato-san if I can." He placed both the letter and the bandana in his satchel and the pair returned for the remaining day of classes.
Without Rei there, Shinji had no reason not to escort Shinobu to her train after school. Shinobu questioned Shinji as to why he was a bit more withdrawn that usual. His reply was battle fatigue and contemplation of Motoko's invitation.
With no reason to doubt him, she let it drop. As the pair reached the station, both were blushing softly, for some reason Shinobu had taken Shinji's hand in hers. He didn't resist it and was hard pressed to let it go when she had to leave. The same scene had played out with Shinobu wishing to state her feelings for the pilot, but her shyness keeping her silent.
As for the pilot, his feelings were jumbled with the addition of another girl vying for his affection. Without knowing for sure what Shinobu's feelings were, Shinji was hesitant to act.
Both thinking, 'If I say it, and s/he doesn't feel the same, would that ruin our friendship?'
So, no words of love were spoken between the two as the door closed. Shinobu berated herself for her cowardice, and Shinji headed home to confront Misato about being trained abroad in martial arts.
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Misato didn't know why she was actually humoring Shinji on this idea. She had no intention of letting him leave Tokyo-3. She wasn't going to let him stay with this girl, even if she was his friend. She certainly wasn't going to let him stay at that horrid inn again.
But the way he asked, melted through her defenses, and she was no in Gendo's office letter in hand. She was glad however that Gendo had to approve of such a major change, and she knew he wouldn't risk letting a pilot leave Tokyo-3.
Unknown to her however, this was the chance Gendo was looking for. The report from Kozo had been delivered an hour before Misato's arrival.
"I approve," he said as he put the papers down, "the third is fair from trained, and the Aoyama family are well known for their arts."
In disbelieve, Misato stammered, "How can you let him leave! We need him here!"
His gaze caused Misato to shut her mouth, "Don't question me Katsuragi. I know if the situation. And it is thus; we have two well-trained pilots and one untrained. It would take to long for his training under Nerv to match what this person claims she can do."
Her military mind agreeing with the notion, but her motherly instincts kicked in, "Can we trust these people not to hurt him?"
"Section-2 agents will be in place. A VTOL will be hidden in the area in case an emergency. And if his trainer truly is of the Aoyama clan, she'd be able to keep him safe," Gendo stated, growing slightly agitated at his subordinates doubting him.
Still not backing down her argument, "What about school and sync tests? Can he really leave those for three weeks?"
"I remind you of your position Captain," the man said leaning forward and hiding his face behind his hands, "anyway it is in my information that a student in his class would be staying in the same location."
"Shinobu Maehara, yes she lives there, so?"
"Don't be dense, it makes me question your position. Any student can sort and deliver papers. As for tests, the doctor can do without testing him for three weeks. The decision is final. He leaves tonight."
In a state of utter panic, Misato left the office and returned home. She had banked on the commander shooting the idea down in flames the moment he heard it. But now it seemed to her, that he had already had known she was going to ask him about this.
"Just what is going on here?"
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Suppressing his shock, Shinji simply repeated Misato's previous words, "He's going to allow it?"
"It seems so Shinji. But even though he said it was ok. I have some stipulations for you as well," her arms crossed in patented Misato-Mother form.
"Stipulation?"
"For starters, you will call me everyday. You are not to fall behind in your studies. You are to behave yourself and not cause any trouble," relaxing into her chair and sporting a nice sized smile, "and you are not, repeat NOT to get miss Maehara pregnant."
Turning a fiery red, "Misato-san! We're not like that! I.I couldn't!"
"Damn right you can't, and won't. If you abide by my rules I have no choice but to let you do this. And it is under protest that you do," she said finally sinking into her chair.
'Why is she so set against this. Isn't it for the best?' Shinji sat across from her. He had hoped to talk to Asuka a bit, but she had locked herself in her room the moment she got home. "Misato-san why are you so mad about this?"
'Is it that obvious?' the purple haired woman thought to herself, "I guess I'm worried about you. You'll be gone for almost a month. So much can happen when you're away."
Not grasping Misato's distress, "It'll only be for three weeks, and then three sessions a week. Its not like I'm moving away for good."
Realizing her ward wasn't quite getting her point; she stood up, walked over to him, and hugged him. "I'm going to miss you Shinji. You're like a brother or son to me. I just don't want you to go and get hurt."
Understanding finally entered Shinji's momentarily dense head, as he hugged her back. "I'll be fine Misato-san, and when I get back, I'll be more capable to protect you and the whole world."
Releasing the boy, "Just don't change to much on me. Well we better get going. It's a long drive."
His eyes widening, "I'm leaving today?"
"Commanders orders. You're to begin this training ASAP. The longer you have only the basic training in self-defense and escape tactics the greater the disadvantage."
'I guess I won't get to talk to Rei about our 'encounter' or Asuka.' Shinji thought as he left the room to pack. Filling his pack with only the essentials. That being a few sets of cloths and his SDAT, Shinji was prepared to embark on his training. 'I'll be living with Shinobu for three weeks.'
Standing by the door, "Ready to go?" Misato prompted.
Casting a look at Asuka's door, Shinji made a decision, "Could I have a few moments?"
Misato took his bag, nodded, and headed to the car. She had noted the cold air that had resettled on her children. 'Best for them to at least say something before he leaves.why do I have such a bad felling about this.'
Shinji stood by the German's door. Hoping she was paying attention. "Asuka, if you don't know. I'm leaving for three weeks. I just wanted to say I'm going to miss you. I don't blame you for the accident. I wasn't hurt. It hurts me more that you don't talk to me now."
Walking away from the door, "I'll call you." With that he went to join Misato in the car.
Asuka stood by the door, her hand poised to open it. For a moment, a brief moment, she wanted to throw the door open and grab him. 'He's not the wuss I originally thought he was. He's so forgiving.he's actually a good guy.'
What stopped her from trying to keep him to herself now was the same thought that kept her from opening the door, 'If it weren't for Shinobu I wouldn't have seen it. You two are going to make each other very happy. She's lucky.' A lone tear crossed her cheek for a chance she never had. She didn't have a chance with Kaji, and now Shinji was out of her grasp.
"Maybe some other time.I could be your number one.but until then, I'll gladly take your friendship." She cleaned her face off and laughed at how weak she had just been. She was thankful that nobody would see her like that.
So as Asuka came to terms with her place in this world, Shinji and Misato sped towards Hinata lodge, where the notice of their impending arrival was received and room was made for the new tenet.
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Author Notes
Well I'm sure a lot of you are pissed at Asuka in this chapter. But that's how I think she'd have acted. She couldn't just say she was sorry, and she wouldn't let people see that she cared so she'd hide it. Well if you don't agree and think she's OOC I guess that's your own opinion.
Hope you liked this chapter. As for the next two, one will be at Hinata and the other in Tokyo-3.
Glad you read this and I hope you continue to support Out of Disaster. As always I LOVE feedback and reviews so.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.darkscribes.org)
OMAKE
Walking into his office, "Sorry I'm late, but I do have other matters to attend to. You of all men should know that."
Straightening his form, Kozo addressed the late doctor, "We know of your other instructions, but you also know that we don't call you for idle causes."
'Perfect, he was in counsel just like I had hoped,' Ritsuko thought before speaking, "I'm sorry, but as per orders I had Rei do a full memory dump into the dummy plug."
Erupting in anger, Gendo bellowed, "You what!?"
She had expected a reaction, but not this extreme. Ritsuko shrinking backwards meekly spoke, "Didn't you order her to do that after every angel?"
Regaining his composure, "Yes. Yes I did. But you see we now have a problem. Watch the monitor." Turning to the screen on his desk, Kozo called up the video feed from the previous encounter. Ritsuko did a masterful job of masking her true self with astonishment.
"What is she doing!"
Kozo trying to hold back his vomit, "Playing doctor.doctor."
"Nobody told her not to take it literally."
Ritsuko could only pale, 'I told her to play doctor with him!'
Gendo sat in his trademark position, "By the time we got to her, she had taken out his appendix and left kidney. All without antiseptic."
Kozo added, "So we need you to.replace Shinji."
Nodding dumbly, Ritsuko left the room, "I knew I forgot to tell her that playing doctor was a sexual innuendo."
If you read one fic you've read them all.and if this is your first fic.you've read it during the previous chapters so.why do I keep saying it?
Anyway. This is a special chapter for me. It breaks my 8-chapter barrier! My first fic to break 8 chapters! YATTA!!
Well enough tooting my own horn, if it's not good, what good is it to break the barrier? Hope you like it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Out of Disaster Chapter 9 - Preparations
Gendo was growing impatient. He had summoned Ritsuko after witnessing Rei's embracing Shinji the previous night and she had yet to show. To make matters worse had had just returned from a council session.
"Those old fools. They have no clue as to our intent," he said to his trusted agent.
Fuyutsuki leaned closer to him, "Are we so sure of that?"
Resting his elbows on his desk, "They'd have killed us all by now if they knew are true intent," his voice raising, "where is that damned Akagi!"
Walking into his office, "Sorry I'm late, but I do have other matters to attend to. You of all men should know that."
Straightening his form, Kozo addressed the late doctor, "We know of your other instructions, but you also know that we don't call you for idle causes."
'Perfect, he was in counsel just like I had hoped,' Ritsuko thought before speaking, "I'm sorry, but as per orders I had Rei do a full memory dump into the dummy plug."
Erupting in anger, Gendo bellowed, "You what!?"
She had expected a reaction, but not this extreme. Ritsuko shrinking backwards meekly spoke, "Didn't you order her to do that after every angel?"
Regaining his composure, "Yes. Yes I did. But you see we now have a problem. Watch the monitor." Turning to the screen on his desk, Kozo called up the video feed from the previous encounter. Ritsuko did a masterful job of masking her true self with astonishment.
Still using her mask of shock, "How can that happened, I raised her to be fully under our control?"
"We were hoping you could tell us that yourself doctor," Gendo said as he repositioned his glasses, "It was your responsibility."
"I have no idea."
Trying to think of a way past this current road block, "Doctor, is it possible to replace this Rei and remove her attachment to the third?"
"Sorry commander," Ritsuko said taking her eyes off the monitor, "All supplicant clones will have memories of these event and her emotions. She'd probably be more attached to him if we replaced her."
Watching the two talk, Kozo felt an odd inclination, 'She seems to almost be happy about this. We'll need to watch her.'
Remaining silent for a few minutes. Gendo contemplated their alternatives. One risk losing more control of Rei by replacing her, two order her away from Shinji and risk rebellion, or three remove Shinji from the picture by either the outside party or replacement.
"Doctor, you are to try to find a way to erase these emotions from the first. Kozo, you are to have are spy network look into the outside party involved with the third," Gendo paused to insure they understood. " We will either remove the notion from her mind forcible, or remove the object of her affection."
Ritsuko nodded, this was all in plan, "I'll have Rei in for tests today."
With their orders received, Fuyutsuki and Ritsuko left the office. Ritsuko was already making her excuse for the inability to wipe Rei's mind of the incident. She had planned for all these situations, save one, and that was what Kozo was to seek out.
With little resources left, Kozo had only Kaji to turn to. Calling the would be spy, Kaji was sent out to find as much info on this 'Hinata' as possible.
---------------
When Shinobu heard that there was an angel attack, to say she was shocked would be an understatement. She heard the news over the train radio when she first stepped onto the train. She didn't fully recover from her shock until she arrived in Tokyo-3.
As she sat in her chair, bandana and note in bag, she prayed that Shinji was all right. 'Makes sense now, how could the phones be down all day,' she thought to herself.
The minutes passed by and students began filtering into the room, but still no Shinji or Asuka. Taking out the items for Shinji, Shinobu thought about what they meant. Shinji would be training under Motoko, if allowed.
'I wonder, would it be at Hinata?' her thought causing a small fantasy to enter her mind. "I wish Shinji were here," her voice semi-wispy.
Breaking the girl from her dream, "He is here, just walked in. You ok?"
"KENSUKE-SAN!" Shinobu shrieked, more at being caught daydreaming than from being startled.
Watching the girl go into a bout of hysterics, Kensuke decided it best to just leave her alone and join Shinji. Meeting his two friends, the idiot trio took they usual place. Shinji noted Shinobu, but was too afraid to talk to her. 'What will I tell her about Rei and I?'
Touji questioned him about his well being, and Kensuke questioned, and questioned, and questioned him about the battle.
On the other side of the room Hikari arrived to find Shinobu hyperventilating. Walking over to her shy friend, Hikari helped her calm down.
"Something the matter Shinobu?"
Shaking her head, "No, I'm fine. I was just worried about Shinji."
"Ah, the battle, yeah I was worried too," Hikari, admitted, "I tried calling Asuka but she didn't answer."
Taking a quick scan of the room, Shinobu asked, "Where is Asuka-san, doesn't she usually come with Shinji?"
It was now Hikari's turn to be confused, "She does, I wonder if something."
Asuka's arrival cut Hikari's statement short, "Talk about good timing, hi Asuka."
Lacking her usual passion, "Hi guys. Glad to see your both ok."
Beating out Hikari, Shinobu was the first to ask, "Asuka-san, is something wrong? You don't seem like yourself?"
In her mind, 'Oh sure I'm fine, I didn't get shot by a person claiming to be my friend,' aloud however, "I'm fine, just a bit tired."
They nodded, as neither knew how tiring piloting could be they accepted her response. The rest of the pre-school activity revolved around minor talks, between both groups. Asuka asked if anything happened to Hinata. Both Asuka and Hikari got a smile out of Shinobu's meek questions about Shinji's well being.
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The actual class time was anything but productive. The majority of the class was missing due to post battle fear. Not wanting to leave the other students behind, the teacher informed those present that they day would be spent as a study session.
To those students that either disliked school or needed to catch up it was a Godsend, to the others however it was pure boredom. So when they were released for lunch, the students fled the room in haste.
Shinji approached Shinobu with an air of uncertainty. He noted as he approached that as soon as Asuka saw him, she fled the room. 'She must still be upset about the accident. I told her I'm not upset.'
Shinobu, for her part, was relatively calm. She was a bit nervous to talk to him, their last meeting playing in her head where she almost confessed her feelings.
As Shinji got closer, she prompted, "Would you.like to join me for lunch?"
Smiling at her, "I'd love to," looking back to where Rei usually sat, Shinji remembered, 'Rei's not here today, I guess we'll eat alone.'
The missing presence of Miss Ayanami wasn't lost on Shinobu, who was more than a little pleased with the turn of events. With bento in tow, the pair headed towards their favorite eating location.
They ate a lunch prepared by Shinobu in the comfortable shade their tree provided, and talked. Shinobu learned of the battle with the angel. However, Shinji left out Rei entirely. He knew it would ruin the mood and he selfishly didn't wish that to occur.
While packing the remaining food away, Shinobu remembered her other package. "Um, Shinji-san I have something for you."
'A gift from her?' Blushing softly, "What is it?"
"Its from Motoko-sempai," she stated, not noticing the fallen look that Shinji now had, "she insisted I give this to you."
Taking the bandana first, Shinji wondered at the meaning behind such a gift, "The crest is beautiful."
"Read the letter too, that's the important part."
As told Shinji undid the bindings of the letter and read it before speaking, "She wants to teach me in her families sword style?"
"It's a great honor to be trained in her school. Do you think you want to?"
Not really the fighting type, Shinji was hesitant to reply. 'If it's such a great honor, why select me? I'm no fighter.' But his feeling of obligation started to invade his thinking. If he could become a better fighter, that could mean the difference between life and death for not only himself but for all humanity.
Folding the letter back into its original shape, "I'll ask Misato-san if I can." He placed both the letter and the bandana in his satchel and the pair returned for the remaining day of classes.
Without Rei there, Shinji had no reason not to escort Shinobu to her train after school. Shinobu questioned Shinji as to why he was a bit more withdrawn that usual. His reply was battle fatigue and contemplation of Motoko's invitation.
With no reason to doubt him, she let it drop. As the pair reached the station, both were blushing softly, for some reason Shinobu had taken Shinji's hand in hers. He didn't resist it and was hard pressed to let it go when she had to leave. The same scene had played out with Shinobu wishing to state her feelings for the pilot, but her shyness keeping her silent.
As for the pilot, his feelings were jumbled with the addition of another girl vying for his affection. Without knowing for sure what Shinobu's feelings were, Shinji was hesitant to act.
Both thinking, 'If I say it, and s/he doesn't feel the same, would that ruin our friendship?'
So, no words of love were spoken between the two as the door closed. Shinobu berated herself for her cowardice, and Shinji headed home to confront Misato about being trained abroad in martial arts.
-----------------
Misato didn't know why she was actually humoring Shinji on this idea. She had no intention of letting him leave Tokyo-3. She wasn't going to let him stay with this girl, even if she was his friend. She certainly wasn't going to let him stay at that horrid inn again.
But the way he asked, melted through her defenses, and she was no in Gendo's office letter in hand. She was glad however that Gendo had to approve of such a major change, and she knew he wouldn't risk letting a pilot leave Tokyo-3.
Unknown to her however, this was the chance Gendo was looking for. The report from Kozo had been delivered an hour before Misato's arrival.
"I approve," he said as he put the papers down, "the third is fair from trained, and the Aoyama family are well known for their arts."
In disbelieve, Misato stammered, "How can you let him leave! We need him here!"
His gaze caused Misato to shut her mouth, "Don't question me Katsuragi. I know if the situation. And it is thus; we have two well-trained pilots and one untrained. It would take to long for his training under Nerv to match what this person claims she can do."
Her military mind agreeing with the notion, but her motherly instincts kicked in, "Can we trust these people not to hurt him?"
"Section-2 agents will be in place. A VTOL will be hidden in the area in case an emergency. And if his trainer truly is of the Aoyama clan, she'd be able to keep him safe," Gendo stated, growing slightly agitated at his subordinates doubting him.
Still not backing down her argument, "What about school and sync tests? Can he really leave those for three weeks?"
"I remind you of your position Captain," the man said leaning forward and hiding his face behind his hands, "anyway it is in my information that a student in his class would be staying in the same location."
"Shinobu Maehara, yes she lives there, so?"
"Don't be dense, it makes me question your position. Any student can sort and deliver papers. As for tests, the doctor can do without testing him for three weeks. The decision is final. He leaves tonight."
In a state of utter panic, Misato left the office and returned home. She had banked on the commander shooting the idea down in flames the moment he heard it. But now it seemed to her, that he had already had known she was going to ask him about this.
"Just what is going on here?"
------------
Suppressing his shock, Shinji simply repeated Misato's previous words, "He's going to allow it?"
"It seems so Shinji. But even though he said it was ok. I have some stipulations for you as well," her arms crossed in patented Misato-Mother form.
"Stipulation?"
"For starters, you will call me everyday. You are not to fall behind in your studies. You are to behave yourself and not cause any trouble," relaxing into her chair and sporting a nice sized smile, "and you are not, repeat NOT to get miss Maehara pregnant."
Turning a fiery red, "Misato-san! We're not like that! I.I couldn't!"
"Damn right you can't, and won't. If you abide by my rules I have no choice but to let you do this. And it is under protest that you do," she said finally sinking into her chair.
'Why is she so set against this. Isn't it for the best?' Shinji sat across from her. He had hoped to talk to Asuka a bit, but she had locked herself in her room the moment she got home. "Misato-san why are you so mad about this?"
'Is it that obvious?' the purple haired woman thought to herself, "I guess I'm worried about you. You'll be gone for almost a month. So much can happen when you're away."
Not grasping Misato's distress, "It'll only be for three weeks, and then three sessions a week. Its not like I'm moving away for good."
Realizing her ward wasn't quite getting her point; she stood up, walked over to him, and hugged him. "I'm going to miss you Shinji. You're like a brother or son to me. I just don't want you to go and get hurt."
Understanding finally entered Shinji's momentarily dense head, as he hugged her back. "I'll be fine Misato-san, and when I get back, I'll be more capable to protect you and the whole world."
Releasing the boy, "Just don't change to much on me. Well we better get going. It's a long drive."
His eyes widening, "I'm leaving today?"
"Commanders orders. You're to begin this training ASAP. The longer you have only the basic training in self-defense and escape tactics the greater the disadvantage."
'I guess I won't get to talk to Rei about our 'encounter' or Asuka.' Shinji thought as he left the room to pack. Filling his pack with only the essentials. That being a few sets of cloths and his SDAT, Shinji was prepared to embark on his training. 'I'll be living with Shinobu for three weeks.'
Standing by the door, "Ready to go?" Misato prompted.
Casting a look at Asuka's door, Shinji made a decision, "Could I have a few moments?"
Misato took his bag, nodded, and headed to the car. She had noted the cold air that had resettled on her children. 'Best for them to at least say something before he leaves.why do I have such a bad felling about this.'
Shinji stood by the German's door. Hoping she was paying attention. "Asuka, if you don't know. I'm leaving for three weeks. I just wanted to say I'm going to miss you. I don't blame you for the accident. I wasn't hurt. It hurts me more that you don't talk to me now."
Walking away from the door, "I'll call you." With that he went to join Misato in the car.
Asuka stood by the door, her hand poised to open it. For a moment, a brief moment, she wanted to throw the door open and grab him. 'He's not the wuss I originally thought he was. He's so forgiving.he's actually a good guy.'
What stopped her from trying to keep him to herself now was the same thought that kept her from opening the door, 'If it weren't for Shinobu I wouldn't have seen it. You two are going to make each other very happy. She's lucky.' A lone tear crossed her cheek for a chance she never had. She didn't have a chance with Kaji, and now Shinji was out of her grasp.
"Maybe some other time.I could be your number one.but until then, I'll gladly take your friendship." She cleaned her face off and laughed at how weak she had just been. She was thankful that nobody would see her like that.
So as Asuka came to terms with her place in this world, Shinji and Misato sped towards Hinata lodge, where the notice of their impending arrival was received and room was made for the new tenet.
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Author Notes
Well I'm sure a lot of you are pissed at Asuka in this chapter. But that's how I think she'd have acted. She couldn't just say she was sorry, and she wouldn't let people see that she cared so she'd hide it. Well if you don't agree and think she's OOC I guess that's your own opinion.
Hope you liked this chapter. As for the next two, one will be at Hinata and the other in Tokyo-3.
Glad you read this and I hope you continue to support Out of Disaster. As always I LOVE feedback and reviews so.
Ja Mata
Zentrodie (zentrodie@secondimpact.com www.darkscribes.org)
OMAKE
Walking into his office, "Sorry I'm late, but I do have other matters to attend to. You of all men should know that."
Straightening his form, Kozo addressed the late doctor, "We know of your other instructions, but you also know that we don't call you for idle causes."
'Perfect, he was in counsel just like I had hoped,' Ritsuko thought before speaking, "I'm sorry, but as per orders I had Rei do a full memory dump into the dummy plug."
Erupting in anger, Gendo bellowed, "You what!?"
She had expected a reaction, but not this extreme. Ritsuko shrinking backwards meekly spoke, "Didn't you order her to do that after every angel?"
Regaining his composure, "Yes. Yes I did. But you see we now have a problem. Watch the monitor." Turning to the screen on his desk, Kozo called up the video feed from the previous encounter. Ritsuko did a masterful job of masking her true self with astonishment.
"What is she doing!"
Kozo trying to hold back his vomit, "Playing doctor.doctor."
"Nobody told her not to take it literally."
Ritsuko could only pale, 'I told her to play doctor with him!'
Gendo sat in his trademark position, "By the time we got to her, she had taken out his appendix and left kidney. All without antiseptic."
Kozo added, "So we need you to.replace Shinji."
Nodding dumbly, Ritsuko left the room, "I knew I forgot to tell her that playing doctor was a sexual innuendo."